Alabama

Who were the NFL's top players from Alabama during the 2016 season?

Pro Football Focus has released its ranking of the top 101 players during the 2016 season. The ratings are based on players’ game grades throughout the season and are “position neutral,” that is, players are graded against the standard of their positions, allowing quarterbacks and defensive tackles to have an equal chance to be considered the NFL’s best player. A quarterback did finish first – Tom Brady (left) of the Patriots. He was followed by Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan before the first player with Alabama football roots appeared on the list.

Julio Jones;Eric Rowe

Julio Jones, wide receiver, Falcons

The former Foley High School and Alabama star ranked No. 6 on PFF’s list – highest among wide receivers -- after catching 83 passes for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season to lead the NFC in receiving yards for the third consecutive year and earn his second straight All-Pro selection. Even though Jones missed two games and his numbers dropped from 136 receptions for 1,871 yards and eight TDs in 2015, he moved up three spots from last year’s ranking.

landon collins.jpg

Landon Collins, strong safety, Giants

The former Alabama All-American was chosen as PFF’s Breakout Player for the 2016 season, and he placed eighth in the top-player rankings. In Collins’ second NFL season, the first-time All-Pro had 125 tackles, 100 solo tackles, four sacks, five interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and 13 passes defended. He became the first player in NFL history with at least 100 solo tackles, two sacks, five interceptions and 12 passes defended in the same season.

Malcolm Butler,Antonio Brown

Malcolm Butler, cornerback, Patriots

The former West Alabama star has played on two Super Bowl-winning teams in three seasons and was selected for the Pro Bowl in the non-championship season. This season, PFF rated Butler as the NFL’s 25th-best player after he gave up fewer than 20 receiving yards in seven games.